The European Version of Jak II Looks Like a Disaster on PS4

But a fix is fortunately coming

by Sammy Barker Thu 7th Dec 2017

As if being subjected to the downright dismal Jak II wasn’t punishment enough, the PAL version has launched in a sorry state. As has become infuriatingly frequent with these PS2 Classics emulations, Sony has opted to release the European edition in the Old World, which has resulted in some kind of weird slowdown bug. This is all presumably down to refresh rates and other technical details that fly over our head, but the bottom line is that it looks borderline unplayable – like the hero is running through treacle.

The good news is that these issues don't apply to the North American edition, and Sony is aware of the problems with the PAL release and is already hard at work on a solution, which we imagine it’ll issue as soon as possible. How the game managed to release in this sorry state in the first place, though, is beyond our comprehension.

[source youtube.com, via twitter.com]

As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.

1
viciousarcanum
Thu 7th Dec 2017

"As if being subjected to the downright dismal Jak II wasn’t punishment enough"

I'm gonna need you to stop talking now, thanks.

2
RogerRoger
Thu 7th Dec 2017

Feel free to dismantle my technical knowledge (which is usually rattling around like a new box of LEGO on a good day), but I can't see a problem in the above video.

Unless the "lag" is that whoever's playing the PS4 version refuses to jump on the platform and proceed with the level, instead running back and forth along the same section whilst the PS3 player cracks on...?

EDIT: oh, and whilst I do love Jak II, it's definitely my weakest of the franchise and so, personally speaking, the opening line of this article falls into my "harsh but fair" category.

3
get2sammyb
Thu 7th Dec 2017

@RogerRoger If you compare the animations, the PS4 version is running "slower" than the PS3 version.

4
RogerRoger
Thu 7th Dec 2017

@get2sammyb After some heavy squinting, I... will take your word for it, sir.

5
AFCC
Thu 7th Dec 2017

Dismal? DIIIIIIIISMAL? Jak 1 is the weakest of them all, rather play the PSP game...Jak 2 is the top of the series, case closed.

6
Deadlyblack
Thu 7th Dec 2017

Weird that the game would have such odd framerate issues.

At least Sony is working on a fix.

7
carlos82
Thu 7th Dec 2017

Here's a solution just give us the North American version, is this the last remnants of that 50hz PAL nonsense and when trying to match it at 60hz is causing the issue? Weren't the PSOne classics on PS3 always the American version? I seem to remember Resident Evil 2 being the American box art

8
Broosh
Thu 7th Dec 2017

Couldn't agree more with the opening line. Love OG Jak. The level and world design of Jak II is painfully bad. I loved the story but the game was a slog to complete.

9
manu0
Thu 7th Dec 2017

what happened to the Jak 2+3+X bundle that was reported on this site?

10
NathanCox
Thu 7th Dec 2017

I'm confused. I thought Jak 2 was held in mostly high regards ever since its PS2 release? How is it a bad game in any way? Graphics were great, story is prominent, characters are unique enough. All I can think of is that it's a far cry from the original, but that doesn't make it abysmal.